releases: https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-higgins-is-joined-by-french-honorary-consul-pascal-soar-s-in
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-higgins-is-joined-by-french-honorary-consul-pascal-soar-s-in | Congressman Higgins is Joined by French Honorary Consul Pascal Soars in Presenting U.S. Military Medals and French Legion of Honor Medal to Mildred Speers | 2019-12-23 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | NY | Brian Higgins | H001038 | higgins.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) was joined by French Honorary Consul Pascal Soars in presenting former United States Army Nurse, First Lieutenant Mildred Speers (nee Budimirovich) with the French Chevalier Legion of Honor Medal and U.S. Military medals earned while serving during World War II. Mildred Speers demonstrated incredible bravery in the face of danger as well as skill and selflessness in helping to heal our troops, said Congressman Higgins. Her story of compassion and service is truly remarkable. It is our honor to bring her recognition by not one, but two grateful nations, for the contributions she made over 75 years ago. Mildred Budimirovich was born June of 1921 in Lackawanna, New York where she later graduated with honors from Lackawanna High School in the class of 1939. She went on to attend Buffalo State Hospital School of Nursing, earning her license as a Registered Nurse after graduating with honors in 1942. Mildred spent a year working at Millard Fillmore Hospital in Buffalo, New York before enlisting for military service in December of 1943. She was assigned to the 96th Evacuation Hospital Unit of the United States Army led by Lt. Col. Homer P. MacNamara. After months of traveling from the U.S. to Scotland and through the UK, Mildred arrived at Utah Beach, Normandy in June of 1944 having undergone rigorous training and preparation for the requirements of military service. The 96th Evacuation Hospital Unit established itself as the fifth functioning U.S. evacuation hospital in the fields west of Ste-Mre-Eglise (St. Marie Eleese) where within a month, over 4,000 patients were treated, and 2,700 surgical procedures were performed by the aggregate staff of 47 officers, 53 nurses, 1 warrant officer, 1 hospital dietician, and 308 enlisted men. It was Mildred's duty to conduct triage, stabilize wounded soldiers and prepare patients for surgery if necessary. In July 1944, as the unit journeyed toward La Fort, the hospital complex came under attack by enemy aircraft, with bombs dropping on the nurse quarters. Thankfully no one was injured, but the attack compelled the unit to head for Marigny, where by noon the next day they were ready to again receive patients. During the first week of August 1944, the 96th Evacuation Hospital Unit treated over 1,100 patients and performed more than 800 surgical procedures. Later that year, just before Christmas, there was intelligence the hospital was going to be bombed by the Germans. Mildred remembers putting patients on jeeps and trucks with just one hour to evacuate the hospital and get patients to safety. The 96th remained mobile and active until late 1945 when Victory in Europe Day marked the end of the Second World War. Mildred received a 7-day pass, and was in Paris when peace was declared in Europe. She recalls dancing and celebration filling the streets as soldiers and civilians alike were finally able to rest easy. Mildred remained overseas and continued to provide medical assistance to displaced persons and civilians until the medical personnel left the Port of Marseille in November 1945 to return to America. Mildred's unit handled nearly a quarter of all United States Army casualties during WWII. After discharge from the Army in 1946, Mildred returned home to Western New York and resumed her nursing career at Millard Fillmore Hospital as an Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Room, and private duty nurse from 1947 until 1985. In addition to serving her country and community, she served her church, Christ the King Roman Catholic parish in Snyder, where she made baptismal shawls for infants. During a ceremony at Blocher Homes in Amherst, New York, Congressman Brian Higgins, joined by U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Philip Thompson, Buffalo Recruiting Company Commander Captain Randy Warren and members of the Buffalo Recruiting Company Color Guard, presented First Lieutenant Mildred Speers with: The Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII: awarded for service and discharge under honorable conditions during World War II; A World War II Victory Medal: established by Congress in 1945 and presented to those who actively served between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946; The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with a Silver Star attachment: Recognizing members of the armed forces that served in the European theater during WWII. The Silver Star represents the 5 battles that Mildred was involved in. These include: the Invasion of Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. As well as a Flag flown over the United State Capitol in Washington, D.C. Honorary French Consul Pascal Soares joined the event to present Mrs. Speers with the French Legion of Honor Medal. The French Medal was first established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. The award is separated into 5 categories: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer) and Grand Croix (Grand Cross). For those who served during the Invasion of Normandy, the Chevalier Legion of Honor is intended to express France's gratitude towards those who risked their lives, and in many cases gave their lives, defending liberty.It is the highest decoration bestowed in France created to recognize virtue, honor and heroism. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |